Massage therapy is a great thing, but it can be physically and emotionally draining. You need to take care of your health and body, as the risk of injury or burn out is real. You can ensure that you remain a therapist for as long as you wish by learning new ways to massage clients. This is especially true of those who need deep work.
The amount of energy that a massage therapist has is more important than the amount of time they have. Full-time masseuses see 20-30 clients per week on average, which is less than a 40-hour work week. Massage therapists’ energy is limited, so it is important that they are efficient. It’s important to learn how to provide therapeutic results for your clients without exhausting your own body.
If you think that being a masseuse means being strong and big, you may be spending more energy on your job than necessary. Massage, even deep massage, doesn’t take great strength. It takes finesse. Here are some suggestions that will help you to simplify your massage routine.
1. Lean On Me
Instead of pushing through the body of your client, use your own weight to activate the tissue. It is exhausting to use muscular force or push into the tissue. You also run the risk of going too deep.
As you release the layer, you will sink down to the next tight tissue layer. You will sink into the next layer as that first layer releases. Work layer by layer, creating a deep massage that’s not painful or difficult for you.
2. Big Jobs Require Big Tools
If you only have a hammer in your toolbox, everything will look like a nail. You’ll need to invest in a large box of massage instruments to handle the many issues that your clients bring to you for help.
For example, learning to massage your forearms has a variety of benefits. Your forearms being more durable than the joints in your fingers, thumbs, or hands allows you to work longer without causing damage to your more delicate hands. Finding ways to reduce the stress on your fingers and hands can lead to a more productive and longer career.
Consider using your hands only to massage delicate areas such as the client’s face, head, fingers, and toes. The more you massage your forearms, the more sensitive you will find them to be. This allows you to have a larger surface area. You can also address more issues in less time by increasing the area of contact.
Fore arms can also be used to support the body weight while providing a smooth and comfortable touch for the client.
3. How Low Can You Go?
You may need to adjust your table’s height if you want to use your own body weight for deeper work on your client. Make sure that your table is low and stable enough for you to place your weight on your client before starting the session. Lower your table a few more inches if you are working with a client who is large and muscular. Assuring yourself comfort is an important part of maintaining your health during your massage career.
4. Relax!
You could be doing less to get the same result. We use more energy than necessary when massaging clients. While massaging, be aware of your breathing and body. While you are massaging, you should be conscious of your breathing and relax any muscles you do not need. Relaxing will not only help you save energy but also make you more efficient.
Also, remember that our clients are also able to sense us. Your clients will feel more relaxed if you’re relaxed. You are not doing your clients or yourself any good if you end a massage more stressed than you began.
5. Feeling Stretched
Place a tight muscle into a position that stretches it before you massage it. This will increase the intensity of the massage you perform on the muscle without increasing your workload. Beware clients who want you to pound on a particular area. Tight spots can be a symptom, not the source of pain. Find the source of pain. You won’t have to apply a lot of pressure to relieve the pain because it is often quite sensitive. When the pain is released, it may also affect the area where your client complains.
6. Client Participation
Most people don’t pay much attention to their breathing. Encourage your client to breathe when you massage an area that feels tight. Ask them to breathe into the area that you’re massaging. It increases the circulation in that area and relaxes the client. You can use their breath to help you relax the mind and body.
7. Body Mechanics
Use good body mechanics. Use your legs rather than your arms. While massaging, maintain a wide stance. Standing in a wide position will activate the legs. Move your whole body as you massage your client. You will be using your own body weight, not muscle force. Maintain a straight back, with your navel pointing slightly toward your spine. This will engage your core muscles to prevent you from arching.
There’s no way around the fact that massage therapy in auckland is a physically demanding profession. Finding ways to be more efficient without sacrificing results can help you stay in the career you love.
